USDA reports more H5N1 avian flu in mammals, including bears

(CIDRAP) The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently reported 12 more highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu detections in mammals, including skunks, bears, a raccoon, and a red fox. Most of the animals that tested positive were from West Coast states, including Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Oregon reported the virus in six skunks and a raccoon. Washington reported the virus in a racoon, and Alaska confirmed H5N1 in a Kodiak bear on Kodiak Island.